Vodafone uses worldwide scale to slash international data roaming charges
Vodafone Australia today launched two international data roaming plans, dramatically reducing the price of mobile internet access for Australian customers travelling to 38 countries.
Vodafone's new Roaming Data Bundles are available in two sizes; 25MB for $49 per month (Light) and 120MB for $199 per month (Heavy). The Roaming Data Bundles are available as an optional extra to customers who have subscribed to Vodafone’s popular 5GB for $39 per month mobile data plan. The bundles enable customers to take their laptops overseas and connect to the internet using either their Vodafone Mobile Connect (VMC) USB modem or VMC Expresscard (supplied for $0 as part of the 5GB/$39 plan).
Vodafone customers have the freedom to choose the duration of their international roaming plan with a minimum period of one month, and are able to activate a new plan each time they travel. No additional fixed-term contract is required.
The 38 countries covered by Vodafone’s new roaming plans currently account for more than 85 per cent of all Vodafone Australia’s international roaming traffic. Most importantly, Vodafone Roaming Data Bundles include the essential markets of China, the US, UK, New Zealand, Singapore and India, making it more affordable than ever for Australian businesses to operate effectively in overseas markets.
"As the world's leading telecommunications company, Vodafone is best placed to provide Australian customers with the most cost-effective data roaming tariffs and can offer the largest global partner footprint of any Australian carrier," said Edward Goff, General Manager Business Markets, Vodafone Australia.
Edward Goff continues: "Australian business has evolved dramatically in recent years, with many more small, medium and large enterprises operating on the world stage. It's imperative for companies to ensure their staff can stay connected to the internet while working overseas."
"Australian business links with China are booming and many more Australians will travel to the country to experience this year's Olympics. Laptops are an invaluable tool for modern travellers and the new rates we've announced today provide convenience and value, eliminating the need to find internet cafés or rely on expensive hotel broadband connections."
Vodafone’s new international Data Roaming Bundles offer exceptional value, saving customers up to 80 per cent* when compared to Vodafone’s previous data roaming rates – which were already competitive in the local market. Excess data usage outside the Roaming Data Bundles will be charged 0.8 cents per KB.
Joseph Ferrar, Product Manager for International Data Roaming at Vodafone Australia, comments: "Mobile broadband is one of the major success stories of the Australian telecommunications industry.
Vodafone's customer base has soared since the introduction of the 5GB/$39 plan last year, enabling us to negotiate significantly better rates with our partner networks overseas. Vodafone is now able to bring economies of scale to bear and introduce considerable cost savings to our Australian customers."
Ferrar continues: "Today's announcement puts serious daylight between Vodafone and our competition in Australia, which, in some cases, can be up to 15 times more expensive on their international data roaming rates. This is particularly relevant to customers who regularly download or upload documents while overseas."
Ferrar concludes: "Many customers view their laptop as an essential device for both work and recreation, so while these plans have been developed with the modern business traveller in mind, they are equally relevant to personal customers planning an overseas holiday."
*Calculated on basis of a customer using their full data allocation per month.
Read the full press release.